Learning to say no...

Now I am happy to give to charities.

I have no issues with dropping money in collection boxes, supporting charitable causes when I can, however I do have issues with charitable causes who bully others into 'signing up' to their cause.

This evening I have had one at my front door. (So clearly my home isn't safe anymore from being pestered.)

This lady proceeded to give her patter about her cause, just sign up for one pound a week and I could potentially win a thousand pounds in return by committing to her charity.

I politely explained to her that I have charities that I support on a regular basis, and whilst I was in no doubt that her cause was more than worthy, I was unable to commit.

She continued with her communication of coercion, when I eventually stopped her and said again, "I am sorry but I am unable to commit to that at this present time."

Which was when her attitude changed. Her annoyance, her tactics became almost bullying and I ended up feeling guilty.

I wanted to say, why does someone have to sign up to something for the promise of something in return? Why not use the one thousand pound weekly winner cheque towards the charity? Or alternatively, please don't make me feel so god damn guilty and leave me alone!!!

I hate bullies - in their many forms, and these people think it is ok to go around to pester people to the point of making them feel so bloody guilty that they will sign anything. I remember one woman grabbing my attention as I left a well known supermarket, gripping five shopping bags and my car keys in my mouth. I was clearly in a rush. Before I knew it I had merrily signed up to a years subscription to the RSPB for my children...it wasn't until I was back home that I remembered I don't even bloody like birds!!

Needless to say, I got my mum to cancel it as I was terrified of calling them and being signed up to something else.

They are that good at making you feel guilty that you feel you have to sign up. You have to support them, because without you everything will fail and people all over the world, or in the trees or in the air will suffer - and god help you if you ever need an air ambulance, it will be my fault if they are late as my 52 quid a year would have paid for the overtime...

That's another thing - 52 quid a year!!?? That is one hell of a yearly pledge in this day and age, when we are all watching every pound and penny.

Charitable donations should be done because it is a cause that is close to your heart. Not because you have some scary female on your doorstep making you feel that the world will end if you don't. So let's be brave, let's learn to say no...I know I am.

Well, that and I was considering turning the lights off so she thinks I've gone out.